Sentido Ixian Grand

The SENTIDO Ixian Grand resort is chic and elegant, with a nod to Rhodes history in the gorgeous black and white floor mosaics in the lobby. Large picture windows overlook the Aegean and lush resort gardens. There is a striking spiral staircase and huge abstract chandelier that match the lobby’s grand scale. Public spaces are uncluttered and breezy. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed, though expect some kids and pool noise.

The SENTIDO Ixian Grand resort is located in the touristy village of Ixia, right on the beach. The beach is fairly rocky at the water's edge, with a strip of sand further up, toward the hotel. Guests may be more comfortable with beach shoes for wading. The town of Rhodes is less than three miles away, and there is plenty of interesting sightseeing nearby, including the ancient city of Ialysos; a car is advisable. The airport and harbor are each about five miles from the resort.

Rooms at the SENTIDO Ixian Grand resort are lovely and spacious, decorated in subtle earth tones with pretty linen quilts and abstract photographs as cool headboards behind the extra-long beds. The light wood furniture is contemporary, with unexpected touches that raise it above generic. Bathrooms, in sophisticated beige and brown tile with glam modern fixtures, have big walk-in showers, and some have glassed-in double whirlpool tubs on the balcony. Guests have remarked that sea view suites are the best choice of room, and that visitors should see rooms at check-in, as quality varies.

The SENTIDO Ixian Grand features a full-service, sleek spa, complete with sauna, steam room, indoor pool and a full array of spa treatments. There is a mini-mart with necessities and souvenirs as well as a little jewelry shop. The fitness center has four treadmills and several bike and elliptical machines, as well as free weights and a pair of TVs for distraction. A cozy reading area with comfy couches and a selection of books offers a spot for a break from the sun. Bikes are available for rent on-site. There are two big pools: one freshwater and one saltwater.

The Vis a Vis Restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and dinner with a view of the beach. Although the dining room is massive, the restaurant is stylish, with sophisticated wood tables and chairs and full place settings. Men should pack long trousers and closed-toe shoes; a dress code is enforced in resort dining rooms. Milonges serves a la carte Greek cuisine for lunch, and the Milonges Blue Pool Bar offers cocktails and snacks to guests soaking up the beachside sun or socializing on the bamboo couches. DeGu7 fine dining restaurant offers Mediterranean and traditional Greek cuisine in a romantic setting under a galaxy of pinpoint star lights. Truman's Lobby Bar serves coffee, tea, and cocktails to guests perched on handsome leather bar stools, or lounging on the verandah. There is live music twice a week.